Replace incandescent “EXIT” signs with LED signs. LEDs use about one-tenth the wattage and last 50 times longer than incandescent-lamp signs.

Install lighting occupancy sensors that automatically turn lights on or off, depending on occupancy. These sensors work well in areas such as conference rooms, break rooms, restrooms or individual offices that are not occupied continuously.

Take advantage of natural daylight: turn off or dim electric lighting when adequate sunlight is available to illuminate interior space.

Ensure outdoor lighting is off during daytime.

HEATING AND COOLING

Establish a preventative maintenance program for your heating, venting and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment and systems.

Ensure that you regularly change or clean all air filters, preferably every month.

Ensure that you regularly clean all heat exchanger surfaces, water and refrigerant coils, condensers and evaporators.

Ensure that you regularly repair leaks in piping, air ducts, coils, fittings. This is a major cause of lost efficiency in HVAC systems.

When replacing air conditioning units of five tons or greater, purchase units with a high energy efficiency ratio (EER) to reduce operating costs for the life of the unit. Ensure that a “Manual N” load calculation is performed to select a properly sized system based on your building load characteristics and specific occupancy needs.

When old motors fail, replace them with high efficiency motors. Ensure you specify the proper sized motor for the application.

Install variable speed drives (VSDs) on large motor loads, where appropriate, to further reduce energy usage.

In facilities with older chillers, consider replacing them with new, energy-efficient units that operate at or below .60 kilowatts per ton.

TEMPERATURE CONTROL

In winter, set office thermostat offices between 65 and 68 during the day/business hours, and 60 to 65 degrees during unoccupied times.

In summer, set thermostats between 78 and 80 degrees during the day/business hours, and above 80 degrees during unoccupied hours.

Install programmable thermostats that automatically adjust temperature settings based on the time of day and day of the week.

Adjust thermostats higher when cooling and lower when heating an occupied building or unoccupied areas within a building, e.g., during weekends and non-working hours.

During summer months, a savings of 2-3% can be typically be found by adjusting your thermostat setting up one degree